Buddhist Education in Thailand (critical study)
by Smitthai Aphiwatamonkul | 2018 | 72,860 words
This study deals with Buddhist Education In Thailand and presents an analysis of the Buddha’s lifetime cited in the Buddhist scripture known as Tipiṭaka (Tripitaka). This study aims to point out the correct way according to Buddhist Education and shows the importance of education in Theravada Buddhism which has become a major concern of human being...
6.3. Dhonburi Period
Dhonburi was the third dynasty of Thailand. Through his heroic attempts King Taksin[1] got the country liberated from the Burmese in the very year of the downfall of Ayudhya in 1767. He took about 3 years to completely drive out the enemies and declare the independence of the country from the yoke. The new capital was moved southwards to Dhonburi.[2] The Dhonburi dynasty lasted only for 12 years. It came to an end 1782 and made way for the Chakri dynasty.
After normalcy was restored in the country, King Taksin at once began his work on the restoration of Buddhism. The Buddhist Order of that time having suffered the same fate as the state, he sent out his men to seek for virtious and well-behaved Bhikkhus and invited them back in order to reestablish the Buddhist Order in the new city[3]. In addition, he had several monasteries and himself devoted much of his time in the study and practice of Buddhism. He tried to follow King's example and that of King Song Dhamma. That is, he ordered the revision of Trai Phum Phra Ruang and commanded a new edition of the Tipitaka be compiled.
With regard to the ecclesiastical education during his short reign, it may be said that the education followed the same pattern of Ayudhaya. But the process of the educational administration for Buddhist monks was not organised properly. It was because the country had been in a state of attack by the external enemy and an internal political conflict took place. Further, the period of his reign was quite limited to only 12 years.
He however, had faith in Buddhism as is clear from the following:—
"Buddhism could be survives once and for all through monks and novices. He allowed officials of the Department of Religious Administration make a list of monks who had seriously studied the Tipitaka. Besides, he offered good yellow robes and the four essential requirements of life to well-versed monks and novices."[4]
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
He was the only king of thi.s dynasty
[3]: